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William Jenkins Obituary
A mechanical engineering student of Cornell University, Grumpy was a member of the American, National, and International Hot Rod Associations, and was inducted into the National and International Motor Sports Halls of Fame.
He also served the Grand Masonic Thomson Lodge #340 in the 5th District.
Bill is survived by his wife, Polly; children, Susan of Bronx, N.Y., Daníel of Kentucky and William T. of Malvern; sister, Elizabeth; and grandson, Quinn Ewan.
Services and interment are private.
In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to The Drag Racing Association of Women (DRAW), 4 Hance Drive, Charleston, IL 61920 or www.drawfasthelp.org.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for William Jenkins
Sponsored by Don Garlits & Family.
Steven costa
September 6, 2024
Thought he was the coolest ever 67 Camaro was so tight. I remember Bill would go out there and sweep the track. His car was so great. Loved it.
Dave Lyall
March 27, 2024
Bill; You were a tough competitor, and that is what made us first respect you, then come to understand you and even like you. Until that great and final fay when the great trumpet sounds and we all gather again on God's Golden Shore, Godspeed Bill. Dave Lyall
Geoffrey Pauers
March 27, 2022
Great man and inspiration . Thanks grumpy.
Lukas
April 8, 2021
Great innovator and inventor not to mention racer ... R.I.P. Grumpy
March 28, 2020
You were a great man
Geoffrey Pauers
March 27, 2020
Bill is a big influence in my automotive life since I was 12. Thanks Bill
George Nye
March 28, 2019
Grump - you are still missed by so many in our sport.
February 12, 2014
Loved to watch him going through the gears with that trade mark cigar in his mouth. Only saw him in films. 'DA GFRUMP WAS 'DA MAN.
pete tisonik
February 10, 2014
thank you don garlits for keeping this
guest book online...i see from the numerous entries that bill had many friends and fans,, i have great memories of seeing him and ronnie sox and dick landy going at it in pro stock at union grove wis,,, GREAT memories of the 60s and 70s...thanks again!!
Dave Jackson
November 4, 2013
RIP Bill. you were a true hero to me. I had the pleasure of hanging around your shop on many occations. Watching and learning from you was a dream come true. Mr Chevrolet all the way. You were a Champion of Champions. I will miss you. God speed my friend.
Classic Bill
Gene Thornton
April 7, 2013
JJ
April 5, 2013
The man took on 426 Hemi's with a 327 Chevy II and won. At one time the highest paid athlete in the United States. Engineer, innovator, mentor, icon. I have enjoyed your exploits all my life; well done Grump RIP.
Wayne Winfield
April 4, 2013
Never met him in person but watched him match race in the Vega. Just know from what he did and how ya'll talk about him is great. R.I.P. Grump....
Lee Valentine
April 3, 2013
Had a lot of great times on and off track when I was crew chief for Bob Ingles. R.I.P.
MARV LOVRO
April 3, 2013
FOND MEMORIES OF THE GRUMP AT QUITE A FEW MEMORIAL DAYS AT THUNDER VALLEY (MARION SD). HE WAS NOTORIUS FOR TAKING THE TRACK MGR,S VAN AND LEAVE FOR A FEW HOURS OR HE WOULD BE ON THE TRACK TALKING TO THE GUYS. GREAT TIMES
70th birthday party
March 31, 2013
6.8.57
March 31, 2013
Some Time in the 50's
Gene Thornton
March 31, 2013
Having been notified of all the kind postings to Bill's (Grumpy's) guest book, I have read every one of them and I wish to add this to my earlier comments.
With his passing I have lost a long time friend, Bill as I knew him, he and I went to the same high school he was a grade ahead of me. I first meet him in 1948, he used to haul me home from school in his Model A Ford. He was I am sure the brightest bulb on the tree when he was in high school. I knew his family he knew mine, he was known as Jiggs when he attended Cornell.
He later had a 1938 Chevrolet two door, in the dead of winter I found him in the barn with a kerosene lantern advancing the cam timing. 1951, he won a new Chev 4 door sedan at the American Legion fair, shortly thereafter this sedan had two carburetors and advanced cam timing.
He was forced to leave Cornell after the brutal murder of his father, he and I worked together and began drag racing together some time in the early 50's. We had a D gas type that used to be a 1939 Chev coupe. In 1955 he bought a new Chev Convertible and quickly made some modifications and drag raced it, with good results, he was hooked.
He was in my wedding, however marriage separated us as drag racing on my part was now from a spectators view point, as family and business prevailed. However we kept in touch, one evening in 1963 he stopped by my house for coffee. During his visit he asked if I wanted to go to Florida with him for the 12 hour Sebring race, I said when? He replied right now, this was Bill, spur of the moment. My wife had no objection, he and I left and spent ten days like old times, friends forever.
Years later we moved to Florida, Bill and I still communicated and visited each other as well, of course by now he was very involved with drag racing. My wife and I went to his 70th birthday party, in West Chester. The party was great he was great, he had more friends than one could imagine, everyone was happy. We had breakfast with him the following morning and agreed to keep in touch.
I visited with him in June 2010, after losing my wife to cancer and he seemed different, not the Bill I had known. I was troubled, friends for all these years what was different? I did not know at that time he had medical issues, he never mentioned it.
Later talking with his sister Liz she told me of his medical problems and I understood why he was so distant. He was simply too proud to bring it up. In view of his passing I have lost my oldest friend, a friend when you needed one, that was the Bill (Grumpy) I knew. And I am grateful for his friendship all these years.
My apologies to anyone that thinks this is too much, but it is memories I have after the loss of a long time friend, I just wanted to share them.
Gene Thornton, Plantation, Florida
alfred lewis
March 30, 2013
bill was no 1 chevy man,knew him since the late fiftys early sixtys with dave strickler,he will never be replaced,rip
March 28, 2013
The "Grump" was special, he was one of the smartest and funniest men I ever knew! I will miss him for the rest of my life! Don Garlits
September 28, 2012
the grump was a mentor to me when it came to the sbc. RON KAISER
July 21, 2012
there was only one grumpy!! never met him
personally, saw him at union grove wis.
and loved to see him beat fords and mopars... kind of reminds me of john force.... a true character and a great
representative for the sport... i will
never forget da grump!!
Mark Van
June 4, 2012
Grab some pit space close to the Tower for me cause I'm not far behind. RIP
Jeff Ebaugh
May 31, 2012
You pioneered pro stock. Hats of to you and everything you did for motor sport. Glad to have met you in one of your shows you attended! Thank you for everything! God speed!
May 20, 2012
i am from a small town in pa. (st. marys) and a lot of us are chevy motorheads we watched him race for years i even got to sit in his car the 72 vega i was thrilled and to hear him talk about cars at the race track i have followed him for years he was a chevy hero to us. dyno dean.
May 12, 2012
LOVED YOU AND THE GRUMPYS TOYS
BEST RACER EVER!!
P. WEBB
Keith S Smith
May 3, 2012
Rest in Peace Grumpy - you will be remembered.
Doug Boyce
April 27, 2012
Thanks for the wonderful memories and for leading the way. Your continued efforts and winning ways inspired so many. The drag racing community was never the same once you came on the scene and will never be the same now that you have left. Godspeed.
Moses Matlock
April 26, 2012
Met him in Memphis once and just stood there like a school kid in awe! I remember Mr. Jenkins from the late '70's and his dominance in Pro-stock truck its first year.
Tom Thompson
April 14, 2012
Some things you wish that would just go on forever like John Wayne. I just thought that "Grumpy" Jenkins would you know; be around.The first time I met "Grumpy" was at Pomona CA. and he was grumpy!But I did get a surprized look on his face when I jumped on the back of his scooter and told him " Let's go"! May God Bless the father of Pro Stock,a Chevy man and one smart SOB! RIP "Grumpy".
April 13, 2012
grump,ronnie sox,don carlton,lee shephard,buddy morrison.Pro stock class up there just got really interesting.miss u all.RIP
Fatcat Cincinnati
April 12, 2012
RIP Grump! I met you years ago at the Hilton in Gainesville, FL during the GatorNationals... you are already missed my friend! But I'll bet you are tearin' up that gold dragstrip in heaven! See ya soon for next round!
April 12, 2012
We lost one of the best. He will be missed but always remembered.
byron parmenter
April 10, 2012
i never was privlaged to meet mr Jenkins but had read about him back when we were drag raceing iam so sorry to see another icone in drag raceeing pass Byron Parmenter
Jon Lowe
April 10, 2012
Bill Jenkins was one of three heroes in my life even though I never shook his hand. When I read he had studied mechanical engineering that was all I needed to select what I would study in college. A few years ago I called him out of the blue to tell him of his unknown influence on me and to ask some engineering related questions. I found him to be quite cordial and informative. It was the only time we would speak and I am glad we did.
My prayers to his family and thanks to Bill for the education. I will miss you.
Alan Roehrich
April 10, 2012
My condolences, to the family, and to the guys at the shop. Bill will be sorely missed, but still always here, as his legacy continues, so long as he is in our hearts and thoughts. He was a legend, a genius, a racer, and a great guy. It was an honor to have met and known him. I wish I'd been fortunate enough to spend more time with him.
Jeff Correll
April 10, 2012
RIP Bill I still remember the tire test days at D-way 42. Thanks for teaching me so much
Edward Ryan
April 9, 2012
When I first started out in Pro Stock Motorcycle, I decided to make most of the engine modifications to my Harley-Davidson, based on PS car technology. Fortunately there was Grumpy's book (my bible) to help guide me in that direction. I was privileged to be able to call him from time to time and he would always refer to me as the guy with the cylinder heads that sat on top of the pipes. A concept he rightfully could not condone. Where was the support to prevent cylinder distortion?
Rest in peace Bill and thank you for the fastest gas powered HD in the country (1977 to 1983).
herb j douda
April 9, 2012
our sympathies to Bills family,
Bill Jenkins has been a life long inspiration for me and we have talked many times, my prize memory is from july 4 1976 thompson ,ohio . he brought his match race monza and won it flat out.
we have the pictures hanging on the wall right behind where im writing this,
of the monza and Bill and myself,
thank you for all that you accomplished and for doing it 'your way'
rest in peace Bill jenkins
herb and debbie douda
April 8, 2012
Polly, Bill, Dani, and Quinn my sympathies to you all.
Bonnie Schmelter
Cleveland, Ohio
paul miarecki
April 7, 2012
my all time favorite racer, remember him and dyno don at connecticut dragway in the early seventies, a great inovator and tuner. one of the real masters of the small block chevy. R.I.P
April 7, 2012
My sympathies to Polly, Bill and Dani. His beautiful new grandson, Quinn, would have loved him. He will be missed.
Janet Dalessandro
Cleveland, OH
gordie bonin
April 6, 2012
As soon as I quit driving and went to work for the NHRA, I got a call from Grump (surprised the crap outa me!) He asked if I had any pull yet in getting him a Sponsor Credential for all events. For years, he'd have to beg and jump thru hoops to get a ticket to get in any event. He'd been told NO, because GM didn't have a "Racing Program." I asked him if he had any paperwork from GM that I could show to the upper folks. How about he sends a copy of a wide open purchase order to Bill from Vince Piggins/ GM Parts, that says "test to destruction."
That was the last time Grump had to ask for a credential from NHRA.
A year or so later, I'm co-ordinating the "Winners Circle Photos" at Columbus; and the power goes out! Within moments, we see an old motor home come rumbling down the race track towards us - It's Grump and his lovely wife. He's got all kinds of lights on, parks his rig; gets out, and says 240, thought you might need some help...We finished up and all of us were still in awe of what happened! Rest in peace my friend,
See you on the other side.
Gordie Bonin
stephen carmick
April 6, 2012
First met Bill in 1958 when he worked on my 1957 Chevy. Subsequently, become part of his "old reliable " race team with a 1960 fuel injected Vet. Spending time with Bill always enriched my life. He was a wealth of knowledge and his stories of racing were exciting. My condolences to Polly and Susan, Dànni, and William "bunkie ". Bill is irreplaceable and will be miss.
April 6, 2012
Bill and the 69' Camaro's will always be a great memory of mine. Being a fan of the famous 69' ZL1 Camaro's and owning one of the 69' L89 cars I believe is some of the greatest history.
Bill Hayward
April 5, 2012
Watched Grumpy race on tv and read all the articles I could find and he became a friend of mine.I learnt valuable life-lessons from him.Us Chevy guys are blessed to have him!I pray Gods peace and comfort for his family and friends.
Jerry Schlomer
April 5, 2012
RIP Bill and thanks for all the memories. Mr Chevrolet/Pro Stock your going to be missed.
April 5, 2012
outstanding person and racer.. my god bless,, thanks for the memories, jeff coyne ,ma
Dean Harvey
April 5, 2012
To Bill's family, I am sorry for you loss. Bill, Grump, taught me a lot. I'll miss him.
ROBERT C. RITTER
April 4, 2012
BILL WAS A TRUE LEGEND. I FIRST WATCHED HIM RACE AT BRISTOL IN 1965. WATCHING HIM GOT ME HOOKED ON RACING.GOD BLESS AND YOU WILL BE MISSED BY FAMILY AND FRENDS
Dave Lyall
April 4, 2012
You were as good and as tough as they come. We raced many times in the 60's and early 70's, and you were as good as they get. And you did it your way. Godspeed Bill.
Frank Cahall
April 4, 2012
Bill,
You have always been a hero of mine. You were one of the prenier innovators in the sport of drag racing. You will be missed
Bill gober
April 4, 2012
Grumpy made a different in all are lives from a distance,and I'm thankful for him! RIP Grumpy will miss you .
Sam Roy
April 4, 2012
Bill you have been my hero since 1969,and you will always be one. Thanks for the memories.Rest in peace..
Sam Roy
April 4, 2012
Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.
April 4, 2012
RIP Grump,never forget the first time I called you Happy,you smiled and laughed. Will miss the afternoon sound. DH Malvern PA. USA
Al Tuccili
April 4, 2012
Grumpy..Its hard to amagine you gone, as a kid and Drag Racing lover you have always been one that I looked up too.
Thank you for giving all you gave to help make it a faster and safer sport. You"ll be missed but I Promise never forgotten.
AlTucci
Barbara St Germain
April 4, 2012
A Jenkins engine, SRD chassie, Jack Trost driving= Most class records ever. Big Jim & Jack Welcome their friend Bill to the afterlife. Thanks for the memories, Bill. Barbara Trost
April 4, 2012
Rest in Peace Bill....Thanks for All You Did.
Wally Bell
Wayne Scraba
April 4, 2012
I'll truly miss you Bill. You'll never know how much you influenced myself and others over the decades. And after all of our conversations, I always walked away wiser. God Speed. You were the best.
April 4, 2012
Sorry for the loss of a wonderful and talented man, you will surely be missed by all.
John Stepp,( Northampton PA)
Sonny
April 4, 2012
Grump you've been my idol since 1968 and always will be
Jeff Hitchens
April 4, 2012
RIP Bill we sure will miss seeing you and your cigar.RIP MY FRIEND.
RON RUBINO
April 4, 2012
THANK YOU FOR BEING BORN BILL, YOU ARE AN ASSET TO OUR LIVES , IWILL NEVER FORGET THOSE GOOD DAYS AT CECILCOUNTY DRAGWAY , AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT, RONNIE AND RONNIE JR
MATTHEW AND BARB BACK
April 4, 2012
RIP I WORKED FOR YOU BACK IN THE 70S LOVED TO WATCH YOU WORK ON THOSE CARS IN THE PITTS I NOT AFORD TO WATCH YOU AT THE SHOP YOU SIGN READ 40AN HR 100 IF YOU WATCH LOL YOU WILL BE MISSED BY ALL RIP
RONALD RUBINO
April 4, 2012
THANK YOU FOR BEING BORN BILL, YOU ARE AN ASSET TO OUR LIVES , IWILL NEVER FORGET THOSE GOOD DAYS AT CECILCOUNTY DRAGWAY , AND THANK YOU FOR YOUR GIFT, RONNIE AND RONNIE JR
D Christie
April 3, 2012
Few people will accomplish what WTJ did in his lifetime. He inspired many to work harder and smarter including myself.
April 3, 2012
We had some great times together Bill. I couldn't have worked for and gained knowledge from anyone better. There are no words to describe "the real you". Godspeed my friend.
ed Quay Pottstown, PA and Land O Laked, Florida
Doug Wright
April 3, 2012
Thanks for the memories you gave me from Thunder Valley USA back in the day ...
You my be gone ,but not forgotten
Dennis Atchley
April 3, 2012
Bill"s innovations will live on.Just a man doing what he loved.RIP
Jim Keegan
April 3, 2012
One of my treasured items is The Chevrolet Racing Engine book from the seventies by the Grump! Bill was one of a kind, and there will never be another like him. I never met Bill but I felt a personal loss when I heard of his passing. Thoughts and prayers to family and friends.
April 3, 2012
God speed old friend.
LF.
Paul Titchener
April 3, 2012
Drag racing has lost one of its best innovators and competitors. He was an inspiration to many, including myself.
April 3, 2012
you will be greatly missed grump rest in peace god speed.
Mike Walker
April 3, 2012
RIP to the greatest racer to ever twist a bolt on a Chevrolet engine. Thanks for all the great memories.
D&S Keffer
April 3, 2012
Grumpy, You brought so many favorite fan moments to the tracks, Maple Grove and Englishtown in the 70's and 80's. A true Legend for sure! Your intelligence in Engines and Speed are unmatched. Always a great guy in Malvern,on Pennsylvania Avenue - we would come to the shop, and Dick Whitman's across the street! You are both together again. Godspeed our Friend! Thanks for all the good times & Memories!
John Grow
April 3, 2012
RIP to the best prostock racer, engine builder of all time! We all miss you Grump.
Brian Gough
April 3, 2012
My first ever trip to a Dragstrip was a Pro Stock Match Race at Island Dragway/NJ
in 1973. Memories of that day will last a Lifetime! The Grump-The Vega-The Cigar- the Rosin.............WOW!
April 3, 2012
Bill,you were an inspiration to many,many people.Enjoy your reunion with Dick Moroso,Ronnie Sox,Don Nicholson,etc. Light up your cigar and relax.Jim Kerr
Dwight Southerland
April 3, 2012
An entire generation of doorslammer racers can be attributed to the Grump. A legend without doubt, and an icon in the drag racing world. We will miss him greatly.
Dan Bennett
April 3, 2012
To Bill's family I offer my sincere condolences. I hope that you are comforted in some way by the outpouring you see here. Bill was a singular person and no one who met him will ever forget the man. The world was a better place because of him and I will never forget the lessons I learned from him.
David Napp
April 3, 2012
A true pioneer and legend of our sport has left us. He will be greatly missed. Rest in Peace.
Lex Dudas
April 3, 2012
RIP my friend, I have a lifetime of great memories because of you. I'm proud to have known and worked with Bill for many years and I'll always have a smile thinking about some of our great times together
Don Garlits
April 3, 2012
"Da Grump", one of my favorite drag racers of all time, I will miss him greatly!
Don Garlits
Bob Greggo
April 3, 2012
Mr. Jenkins, I never knew you, but having lived in the Malvern area during the '70's and 80's, I certainly knew of you and had the pleasure to see you race. May God Bless you and your family.
Skip Singer
April 3, 2012
RIP Bill,you were the father of Pro Stock racing and will be greatly missed.I loved coming to your shop and to talk racing.You will be missed by your many fans.
James Shanaver
April 3, 2012
R.I.P. Grumpy !!!!! Say Hi to J.J. God Bless Your Soul Amen !!!!!!
Jimmy Moore
April 3, 2012
I've asked for one autograph in my life. It was a tough one. Prayers to your family.
Mike Randall
April 3, 2012
The Drag Racing world has lost the best. Meeting you for the first time at York U.S. 30 in 1969 was never forgotten. GodSpeed my friend.
April 3, 2012
I WORKED WITH BILL IN THE 70S I WAS RACE SUPPORT TECH FOR MAJOR IGN SUPPLIER AND BILL RAN OUR PRODUCTS . HE WAS ALWAYS A GENTLE MAN AND A SMART RACER AND WILL BE MISSED. GARY SVOBODA ACCEL IGN CO
April 3, 2012
Godspeed Bill, thanks so much for the joys and thrills you gave this fan for nearly 50 years.
Danny Durham,, Tacoma, Wa.
Tom Myl
April 3, 2012
Glad I knew him.
Rusty Brown
April 2, 2012
Thank you for you time here I in joy seeing you and talking to you for that I thank you
Tom Jablonowski
April 2, 2012
Bill always ticked me off when he would beat Ronnie Sox. I told him those same words at Englishtown when I was 16. He smiled and smiled and smiled. He really was a great guy,racer and engineer.
Edward Krawiec Sr.
April 2, 2012
Always one of my Favorites. Had the Pleasure to run "The Malvern Missle" at Raceway Park, Englishtown. Rest in Peace and God Speed, Grump....
Bob Tindale
April 2, 2012
An inovator and a Pro Stock hero. R.I.P. Bill
Tom Stiel
April 2, 2012
Bill was and still is my number one hero,meeting you and hanging around the races was my childhood dream ! Thanks for the great memories !!!
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